Cylindropuntia whipplei

Whipple cholla

Cylindropuntia whipplei is an upright shrub, 2m or more high, with many stems branching from a woody central trunk. Stems are bright green or sometimes purplish green, bearing distinct tubercles and clusters of yellowish spines which do not completely cover the stems. Cylindropuntia is a genus of cacti, native to northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States. They are known for their barbed spines that have a nasty habit of attaching themselves to skin, fur, and clothing!

plant Features

Full sun to partial shade
Very little water
A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)
Light and free draining

plant information

Common name

Whipple cholla

Latin name

Cylindropuntia whipplei

type

Succulent

family

Cactaceae

ph

5.0 - 7.0 Acid - Neutral

Light

Full sun to partial shade
Frost

A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)

Soil

Light and free draining
Water

Very little water

Plant & bloom calendar

Best time to plant

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Whipple cholla is 1.50meters x 2.00meters

1.50 M 2.00 M

Cylindropuntia whipplei

Planting young plants

From Early Spring TO Mid Summer

Dig holes or beds wide, not deep. Gently remove plants from containers, keeping the root ball intact and plant level with the surrounding soil, spreading the roots outward. Back fill around the roots with native soil then water to settle the soil around the roots. Stake large plants to prevent excess movement in strong winds.

Propagation

From Early Spring TO Early Spring

Most cacti and succulents can be propagated by small stem cuttings that are allowed to dry out for a few days or weeks before replanting in slightly moist, well-drained potting soil.

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